Black Country Touring leadership team to depart after 28 years

FRANCES LAND and STEVE JOHNSTONE have announced they will step down as as co-artistic directors of Black Country Touring (BCT) in autumn 2025 to focus on personal projects.

Before joining BCT, Land was and actor, musician and artistic director of Foursight Theatre. Johnstone was joint artistic director at Pentabus Theatre alongside work as a freelance theatre director.

IMTIAZ DUNGARWALLA, co-chair of Black Country Touring, said: “We are deeply grateful to Frances and Steve for their creativity and dedication to BCT and the wider arts community.

“Even after over two decades, they continue to innovate, staging productions in unusual spaces and connecting with audiences during the pandemic through digital projects. Their leadership has been central to building strong community and artistic partnerships and has seen the company go from strength to strength.”

Co-chair CARLA PRIDDON added: “BCT’s board have been preparing for artistic director succession for several years, ensuring the organisation is in a very strong position for new leadership.

“The time is right to welcome fresh perspectives to build on Frances and Steve’s outstanding legacy. Their vision and dedication have shaped BCT into the thriving organisation it is today, and we are excited for the next chapter.”